Places I want to live in

Tumblr

2011-05-18T02:02:00.000+02:00

I'm done with Blogger. Well, not totally, I still use my Spanish blog pretty often, it's ideal for my long this-is-my-first-language rambles. But when it comes to my stiff English, I've recently become very attached to Tumblr. Its fast posting system is perfect for my rapid blasts of design and moods. So here you have it:

http://misscristal.tumblr.com

I don't think I'll be updating this Blogger page any more (or at least for some time), so I'd really appreciate the follow if you have a Tumblr account!

Non-stop

2011-04-18T10:08:00.000+02:00

I've been so busy lately, with one thing and the other, that I've hardly had time to list new Miss Cristal jewellery. What I have been doing is taking photos of the beautiful Natalia, who kindly offered to pose for a pin up session I carried out with some friends for the humour Spanish site zasbaidefeis. I'm quite pleased with the results (except for the post-editing, since a few of the photos aren't properly edited... I really should have done that myself), and I managed to sneak in a few of my pieces for my own Miss Cristal profit! This is my favourite, I just love the picture!:

I have also devoted waaay too much time on more origami. Here's a sample of my latest, cute little handpainted gift boxes!

Wednesday Webcomic

2011-03-30T18:09:00.001+02:00

Cyanide and Happiness is one of those webcomics that gets stick drawings right.

Can hardly believe...

2011-03-18T18:18:00.000+01:00

... I managed to make this kusudama ball:

Thanks to Findinspirations.com for the tutorial!

Not myself today

2011-03-14T17:59:00.001+01:00

I've recently joined a treasury team on Etsy, and have been making loads of treasuries, as well as being featured in quite a few. This is my most recent attempt, hope you like it! (Treasuries are member-curated selections of Etsy items):

Tuesday Artisan: Bullfinch and Barbury

2011-03-08T11:04:00.000+01:00

Bullfinch and Barbury has only 27 items in her shop right now, but it's still extremely hard to pick just a few photos for you to see. Enamel is probably one of the most beautiful mediums around, and she specialises in bracelets, which are my current flavour of the month (or last four months, maybe!). So feast your eyes on these precious colours and textures:

Unfortunately I don't wear enamel bangles anymore, the few I've had I've managed to repeatedly deform and smash... the same reason why I don't wear glass rings!

Seattle Artist's Studio

2011-03-03T17:08:00.000+01:00

I've always liked the concept of shared artist studios. Huge, open spaces where you can share your fun, frustration and general artisty things with other people. What's fantastic about this place is that it has sliding modules, so you can transform a wide, shared space into a private office in a matter of seconds!

Read more about this great artist studio in Seattle by Olson Kundig Architects at Remodelista.

Tron

2011-02-24T18:16:00.001+01:00

So you've seen the movie, bought the t-shirt, wrote the fanfic. How about staying here for a night?

Read all about this amazing led-illuminated Tron: Legacy suite made in Sweden's Ice Hotel here.

Tuesday Artisan: Naventin

2011-02-22T18:48:00.001+01:00

Large rings and talented women are two of my favourite things in the world. So it's no surprise I fell in love with naventin's work as soon as I saw it. Plus, she's from Barcelona. I'm afraid most Spanish artisans I've found on Etsy aren't really my style (lots of cute felt and polymer clay figures), so it's always a huge plus to find someone as accomplished as this young lady.

On a completely unrelated note, I wanted to point out that she states this in her shop profile: ATENTION!!! SHIPPING NEWS! This year the spanish post service has risen its prices, therefore my shipping fees have risen a bit too. And it's true, it has, and it makes me feel like crying every time I have to charge someone 13 dollars for shipping one hundred and f*****g fifty grams!!! How am I supposed to compete with other sellers? It's COMPLETELY ridiculous. Thank you, Correos, for making us Spaniards have an even harder time at making a living.

Anyhow, I'll calm down now and leave you to enjoy her handmade beauties:

Corsets

2011-02-18T16:43:00.001+01:00

I collect corsets. I don't wear them often (they're not exactly the most comfortable of garments, and my limited budget only allows me to buy cheap versions of the real thing), but I do spend a long time drooling over them. This is my current favourite. I really don't think latex is my thing (sweaty!), but I'm sure I'd make an exception for this (green! swoon!):

Probably great for a nice St. Patrick's day down at your local pub. Or maybe not. Considering I just bought an 8 € camisole at Lidl to wear over leggings on Saturday, I may not be one to judge.

Wednesday Webcomic

2011-02-16T17:21:00.002+01:00

Recently it has come to my attention that I'm terrified of success. Yep, sounds odd, doesn't it? But the more I ponder, the more I realise that I'm constantly bullying myself into thinking that if I ever did atain my goals, I wouldn't really know how to handle it. The other day I stumbled onto Hyperbole and a Half, and Allie Brosh had a brilliant post I think reflects EXACTLY how I feel. Not that I ever wanted to be a doctor, but my grades at school always had people thinking I was going to be one.

Read the rest of Allie's spot-on post here.

Tuesday Artisan: Traven7

2011-02-15T16:36:00.001+01:00

Well, Traven7 isn't exactly an artisan, but I think finding amazing vintage dresses should be considered an art, definitely! They've been on Etsy since 2008, and the clothes they feature are absolutely divine! Here's a little sample of what you can find in their online shop:

Traven 7 is also on Facebook, you can find their page here.

Hyde Park chic

2011-02-14T18:53:00.001+01:00

I recently came across a house tour in Apartment Therapy I absolutely adored. Apartment Therapy isn't always my fave choice; I find their average tours bland and uninspiring. However, in this case, shocking wallpaper and classy but modern furniture (with just the right amount of retro) make this Chicago home quite the stunner. My favourite spaces are the entrance, with its striking stripes, and the living room, with these amazing organ pipes transformed into shelves:

Have a look at the rest of the apartment here. Great, comfy space usage and lighting.

Fashion secrets

2011-02-11T17:18:00.002+01:00

I love this Bensoni organza dress. I actually prefer it in dark blue, but could only find an image of it in white. Very summery, in any case. I like the smooth, flattering lines and the beautiful collar. I'd definitely wear it with cute, flat sandals and a huge, chunky bracelet. Shame you'd need 550 USD to get ahold of it! I've always said I can't understand how people spend so much on fashion (I'm more of a second hand shop girl myself), but I suppose if you earn millions, a mere half-mil isn't going to set you back. What I find quite surprising is how people living on a 1000 euro budget (that would probably be the equivalent to 1600 dollars in the US, wage-wise) prefer splashing out on something like this than paying for basic stuff like food!

Aaah. So that's the secret to a size zero sorted.

Bah, keep the dress, I'm off to enjoy a nice glass of wine and some Lebanese tapas.

A gourmet view

2011-02-10T17:13:00.000+01:00

I've always fancied trying out The Restaurant at The End of The Universe, but since that's highly unlikely I'll just have to make do with some other odd eating place, maybe this cute little cabin in Okinawa (Japan).

The things I find on the Internet...

2011-01-21T19:46:00.002+01:00

Apparently I'm more naive than I thought, there was me thinking those jelly bracelets were all sweet and cute. I found this on Amyth.com, here's their info:

Sex Bracelets and Their Color Meanings...
What Do The Jelly Sex Bracelet Colors Mean?

Many people have inquired about the latest fad in colleges, high schools, even middle schools!
Those jelly bracelets from the 1980's are still being used today, but they have a completely different purpose than when Cyndi Lauper and Madonna wore them.
This new social phenomenon involves "snapping" the bracelet off the wearer, enabling the snapper to earn a sexual favor from the snappee based on the color of the snapped off bracelet.
The colors each have a coded meaning as follows:

Yellow - indicates the wearer is willing to HUG
Pink - indicates the wearer is willing to give a hickey
Orange - indicates the wearer is willing to KISS
Purple - indicates the wearer is willing to kiss a partner of either sex
Red - indicates the wearer is willing to perform a LAP DANCE
Green - indicates that ORAL SEX can be performed on a girl
Clear - indicates a willingness to do "whatever the snapper wants"
Blue - indicates ORAL SEX performed on a guy
Black - indicates that the wearer will have regular "missionary" sex
White - indicates the wearer will "FLASH" what they have
Glittery Yellow - indicates HUGGING and KISSING is acceptable
Glittery Pink - willing to "flash" (show) a body part
Glittery Purple - wearer is willing to French (open mouth) kiss
Glittery Blue - wearer is willing to perform anal sex
Glittery Green - indicates that the wearer is willing to "69" (mutual oral sex)
Glittery Clear - indicates that the wearer will let the snappee "feel up" or touch any body part they want

I specially love the clarification:

WEARING THE BRACELETS DOES NOT MEAN YOUR KID IS HAVING SEX, OR PARTICIPATING IN THIS "GAME".
ALL REPORTS INDICATE THAT IS GENERALLY ONLY "PLAYED" BY KIDS WHO ARE ALREADY SEXUALLY ACTIVE.

The good news is that my new "Anne of Green Gables" bracelet is VERY difficult to snap off, thanks to heavy duty wire wrapping and clasp and so on. In any case, if I do get any oral sex out of it, I'll be sure to let you know (or not!):

Excuses

2011-01-10T22:16:00.000+01:00

I really wanted to update today with some lovely new architecture. Really, promise. Even though I got up at 6:00 AM and spent all morning working and all afternoon making jewellery and writing. But this came in the mail, and I'm afraid I have to love you and leave you for now:

Book Depository is the best thing that's happened to me in a long time.

Small but comfy.

2011-01-08T20:30:00.002+01:00

I've spent most of the afternoon today working on custom orders, so I thought I might as well take some photos of my workspace. Here is where I spend 90% of my time...

From the top downwards: My beloved PC, kitty on bed (trying to take a nap despite my frecuent interruptions, beads and supply stash (colour coded!), doodling wardrobe door, workbench (plus coke can I was enjoying a few hours ago).

Pretty pictures

2011-01-07T19:50:00.002+01:00

When it comes to decorating my own space, I generally prefer prints or paintings over photographs. I have some wonderful glossy prints of some of Nekranea's art, and also some by Felideus, with whom I've had the honour of working with as a publisher. Both are personal friends and very talented artists.

Bird Soul, by Nekranea. I love how she always includes tutorials and images of her creative process in her blogs.

Felideus is working on a book, a very steampunk project that I love. Just look at this homage to The Wind in the Willows, isn't it gorgeous?

'Cause you can never have enough books (or places to read them).

2011-01-06T20:53:00.001+01:00

I like books. I like to read them, touch them and look at them. Sometimes I even make them (well, at least the layout, design and revision; the printer does the actual printing and binding; sometimes I even do the writing). I also like bookcases. And libraries. I really like libraries.

The Morgan Library & Museum McKim Building in New York was recently reformed and, as you can see, the results are spectacular. Read more about it (and have a look at the "before" pics to really appreciate the difference) at Architect Magazine.

Wednesday Webcomic

2011-01-05T20:50:00.003+01:00

I'm not a huge Subnormality fan (my eyes water over so much small text), but sometimes it really gets me. And the Sphynx is a favourite character of mine.

(Click on the image to read the rest)

Feels like everyday Spanish bureaucracy to me.

My current object of desire

2011-01-05T12:16:00.003+01:00

'Nuff said.

Tuesday Artisan: BeadEvolution

2011-01-04T18:23:00.002+01:00

One thing I find on Etsy is that there really aren't many bold, colourful items. Unlike its European counterpart, DaWanda, that constantly features colour in many ways, Etsy seems to favour bland, greyish and pastel selections, whether it be items, web design or front pages. So it's great when once in a while you stumble across shops like Helen's BeadEvolution. Resin is a must in her shop, and everything's crisp and bright as today's sunny blue Mediterranean sky.

And of course here's my Miss Cristal contribution for the day, The Blue Unicorn (thank you, Mamen, for the name idea!):

In case you're wondering, the background is my old Chinese workbook. I did one semester of Chinese at University, and all I can remember is "ni hao". Then again, I did a few years of French and I don't remember much of that, either. It's a miracle I still speak English!

From Napoleonic warfare to modern day beauty

2011-01-03T20:03:00.002+01:00

A Martello tower in Suffolk (UK) transforms into an amazing home. I'm sure the soldiers who lived in these quarters never imagined it could look like this, over a century later. It took Duncan Jackson 10 years to turn it into this welcoming, extraordinary domus. Read about it in The Guardian.

Tuesday Artisan: New Moon Studio

2010-12-28T19:40:00.000+01:00

I love it when I discover amazing clay objects. The wonderful thing about the lady behind New Moon Studio is that she makes anything from cups to vases to luscious earrings, with delicious photography to show off her items. Beautiful colours and shapes for the New Year.

You can buy her items at her Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NewMoonStudio

And here's my latest from Miss Cristal, my new Black Sheep Necklace:

On the beach

2010-09-27T18:21:00.000+02:00

I opened up my mobile phone today and it was full of sand. I really shouldn't take it with me when I go beachcombing, but having a camera, even if it's just a crappy one, makes so much difference. I get to record for posterity all the weird and wonderful things I encounter on my daily walk.

Seagulls puzzle me. In the early morning they stand in lines, slowly advancing towards the sea. The ones in the front row move towards the back when they reach the shore, entering a moving-but-not-moving cycle that is strange and slightly disturbing ("The Birds", anyone?):

I also find dead things, washed up on the shore, like this strange, hairless and bloated rat. Yeah, it's probably disgusting, but I'm kind of fascinated at the same time:

And jellyfish are always a pleasure to look at (from afar), but what I wasn't expecting was this mammoth creature! I found it on the shore, and it was HUGE (shame I didn't think of putting my foot in the picture for size reference):

And last but not least, a little glimpse at the messages people leave in the sand. Seems like this one was enjoying his/her holiday in the sun!

Another Round of Etsy favourites

2010-09-15T19:31:00.001+02:00

Etsy is a source of neverending desire, so I thought I'd share a few of my lustful fantasies with you, once again. Let's get started...

Wonderful and cool blue rain bath salts by sudznsaltz. His wife, the lovely lady behind marinebiochic07.etsy.com, makes the perfect face cloths to go with them. Just looking at them makes me feel refreshed, and since the Summer heat still hasn't left me yet, that's not a bad thing at all.

This amazing brooch was made in sterling silver and lapis lazuli by NakedJewelry. The process applied to the beautiful silver is called Reticulation, described by the artisan as "a metalsmithing technique that causes the top layer of fine silver to buckle and wrinkle through a process of controlled chaos!". One of a kind indeed. This would make a fantastic addition to a simple black dress, maybe with a ring to match and a loose hairdo. This is just one example of all the mouth-watering lovelies you can find in their shop.

Gaialai makes outsanding lampwork beads, and they've been on my wishlist for a long time. My hands are itching to make earrings one day out of these black and white beauties. I'm quite the fetichist when it comes to beads, sometimes when I buy exceptionally pretty beads I can't quite bring myself round to using them. That's why it was so hard to use some of Maudie's quality lampwork pieces for a necklace I'm working on, it's just so hard to create something that lives up to the beads' expectations! Here are the culprits, some fabulous autumn themed rondelles:

Going Custom

2010-09-13T20:47:00.000+02:00

I've been working on a few custom orders lately for some Miss Cristal customers. Mostly they're earrings to go with necklaces I had for sale. I must admit custom isn't my fave type of chore, I have so many designs in my head I want to focus on that it's difficult to concentrate on more mechanical things. And for some strange reason I don't enjoy making earrings that much, I suppose it's because I have to make two of each and it's always a pain to get an exact replica of anything handmade.

So here's a sneak preview of a few of these custom pieces:

Green and silver earrings to match my Butterfly Nonsense in Green.There's a red version if anyone's interested.

Cute red crystal earrings with dragon charms to match my Red Dragon Pendant.

Back to work I go... Got Metric on repeat and The Age of Innocence is almost finished, patiently waiting for me on top of the disaster area that is my workbench.

How much is that kitty in the window?

2010-07-07T20:02:00.000+02:00

I just bought these gift boxes for Miss Cristal customers and wanted to show them off. Of course, Ebony had to be in it too.

Miss Cristal news

2010-07-07T13:44:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone!

Just wanted you to know that I've started a new range in Miss Cristal called Cheap and Cheerful, with loads of colourful and affordable fun jewellery! There are already some pretty bracelets on Etsy, so please take a look!

Here are a few samples:

I also have a huge SALE going, it's Christmas in July! Some of my most expensive items have been reduced, up to 40%! Don't miss them.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

2010-05-13T20:25:00.002+02:00

I made a treasury on Etsy, and it's full of godly and devilish delights. Please take a look!

Deka Ray

2010-05-06T20:51:00.000+02:00

Deka Ray makes futuristic necklaces in oxidized bronze and silver. The pictures speak for themselves. There's such a fine line between jewellery and art.

Metalsmithing in all its variants amazes me. I wish I had the time and money to try it out (along with polymer metal clay and lampworking). Someday I'll invest in a kiln, at least.

I finished City of Glass the other night. I always get frustrated with Paul Auster, he's such a brilliant narratologist and such a poor narrator. Learn how to finish your stories properly, and then start pretending you're Umberto Eco. Fortunately Ghosts was slightly less irritating. Only The Locked Room to go to finish the trilogy, and then I'll have to get some Kazuo Ishiguro to soothe my nerves.

By the way, dear visitors, if you actually enjoy reading never get a degree in Literary Criticism. It totally spoils the experience.

Happy hiving (2)

2010-05-04T18:46:00.002+02:00

Today is the perfect day to share some more Stylehive favourites (why? Um. Because).

I know what you're going to say. "Why does she always go for black". Maybe it's the somehow surviving honorary goth in me, maybe because it's slimming, maybe because it's my favourite non-colour. So I've picked some colourful stuff as well, just so you know I don't actually spend my everyday clad from head to toe a la Morticia Adams (I'm proud to say that today I'm actually wearing purple!).

First up is Clarisse's lovely black and gold prom dress, available at Roxanne's Runway. This is actually the type of thing I'd wear on a Friday night out at my local drinking hole (cheap cava, anyone?), only I'd never spend 270 american dollars on a dress for a Friday night out. Come to think of it, I'd probably never spend 270 bucks on a dress (all my designer gear is thrifted or bought at discount price). But I promise I won't judge you if YOU do. (In any case I'd sew some straps on, looks like you'd need some powerful bosom power to keep that up). Oh, f**k it, I actually bought a similar but much nicer dress at Zara years ago for a tenth of the price.

Ok, so if I were to spend big money it would be on something like these Givency heels, but then again, I'm a sucker for Givency. It's my mum's fault, she bought Ysatis perfume for years, and as a child I always marvelled at the bottle's sophisticated look. It does seem a bit dated to me now, but the brand hasn't lost its hold on me. You can get them at Polyvore.

Speaking of purple, I love this UniqueVintage dress, as well as most of their garments. Pin up style with black lace, you just can't beat it. Look like a 1950s superstar for just $98.

And of course there has to be a handbag. This one even has a longer strap attached so you don't have to be limited to uncomfortable clutching. You can get it at Saks. And yeah, it's pretty pricey, no less than $245 (sometimes I wonder why you'd want to pay that kind of money to look punk-ish. I'm sure a second hand leather handbag would look equally great with a few metal studs stuck on). I found this via VieCouture, which comes up with some lovely items when they're not drooling over charm bracelets (seriously, what is it with charm bracelets, isn't it time the novelty wore off?).

Me

2010-05-02T20:24:00.001+02:00

The lovely and very talented Jesús Belly is working on an art show where he intends to include pop-art type portraits of bloggers whom he follows and are also his own followers and fans. And that includes moi! I've been blogging in Spanish since 2004, so it's nice when once in a while you get this kind of perks.You can see some of his other work on his blog and on his design website, including this project. And here's my portrait, which makes me very very happy:

The portrait is based on a photo taken by the extraordinary photographer and poet Marco Antonio Raya.

Devil in the details

2010-04-30T21:22:00.001+02:00

So this is what I've been up to for the last week. Layers and layers of red paint and black fineliner. It might end up being another bracelet box, I'm still not sure. It's not finished yet, and all I know is that it's taking ages. No worries, I personally, deep down, never to be said out loud, very modestly indeed, think that it's fucking awesome.

I've done a few others, but this is my favourite so far. Notice my favourite pen ever, Staedler's M Lumocolor,sitting at my (almost) eternal disposal. After four boxes decorated in this fashion, it has finally started to show signs of weakness. The cardboard boxes are actually leftovers from my brother's computer shop. Talk about upcycling.

Greener than green.

2010-04-29T19:33:00.002+02:00

Treehouses are something I've never personally experienced. Maybe we just don't get that kind of enourmous, back-garden type of tree in the South of Spain (I did have an apple tree as a child in England, however). Maybe we just don't realise what we're missing, what with all the swimming pools and beaches... Or maybe we'd be more interested if all tree houses looked like the Wilkinson Residence in Portland:

Not bad. Not bad at all. This is what happens when you ask architect Robert Harvey Oshatz to design your house.

More Etsy delight

2010-04-27T18:56:00.002+02:00

Etsy is probably the worst thing ever to happen to my personal economy. In any case, here goes this week's supply of beautiful must-haves I wish I could afford:

Handbags by Daphne involves two of my personal fetishes: handbags and beautiful, luxurious textiles. How can one say no to a combination of both, specially in sensational black and white?

As a creative person myself, I'm always on the lookout for pretty new ways to decorate my packages when I sell jewellery. Luvs2create2 makes the cutest gift tags you can come accross, and I've always been a fan of Peter Rabbit and everything Beatrix Potter:

Etsy jewellery maker Terrastratum makes incredibly original and stunning pieces. Personally, I adore these chopstick earrings, in oxidised silver and gold dust!

But my week's favourite has to be chriswrinn. Chris specialises in precious metals and PMC (polymer metal clay), and uses an infinite amount of imagination and patience to come up with special beauties like these:

Believe me, I will never purchase cheap, mass produced jewellery again! Stunning creations like these deserve all the attention they can get.

Step by step

2010-04-21T19:01:00.002+02:00

Sometimes people say things that inspire me. I've spent quite some time on Knock Off Wood, a fun blog that provides plans for "knocking off" popular pieces of wooden furniture. From Ikea to Pottery Barn, Ana White delivers the plans and shows off her own examples of furniture building. But maybe the best part is all the space and attention she devotes to all her fans and readers, people who set out to make their own wonders using her plans. They showcase some spectacular stuff, and here are just a few examples:

Ana came up with this lovely shelf in no time using some discarded pallets!

And here we have an amazing child kitchen, made by Ana's guest blogger Kirsten from Crafting Chicks

For more great furniture ideas you should definitely pay Ana a visit, but going back to my original statement, Ana is also a very interesting women with plenty to share. I was personally touched by how she sees life: taking one day at a time and managing everything step by step, definitely what I'm trying to do now! You should read the whole post, but I think it sums up into this:

As we look at this mountain in perspective, this hike seems incredibly amazing. But in actuality, everything amazing is merely a combination of very ordinary steps. Never once did I look ahead, and think, I am going to climb to the top of that mountain. Oh no, it was more like, I am going to make it to the next drainage without being carried. And when we would reach the next drainage, I would think, I know I have one more drainage in me. And before I knew it, there was no more drainages. We were on top.

Organic Architecture

2010-04-20T13:06:00.004+02:00

Javier Senosiain's work for Arquitectura Organica reminds me a bit of Gaudí, in his use of colourful tiles and almost biological curves. All of his buildings and designs aspire to become one with nature, and they're often constructed using animal thems. One of my favourites is his Nautilus shell-like house. More info and photos at the article on this place at Beautiful Life, or at Javier's website.

Happy hiving

2010-04-18T20:37:00.007+02:00

I'm a big fan of Stylehive when it comes to browsing through all types of fashion and accesories. Though I'm not really interested in most of what people consider to be "in" or "trendy", there are always a few exceptions that catch my eye. Here are some of my most recent favourites:

Gia Lorenzi came up with these spectacular serpent heel black pumps. I think you could walk down the street wearing a sack and people would be focusing on the shoes. Not for the fainthearted, I think, doesn't seem to be much of a comfy platform on the front of these killer beauties. And of course there's some Swaroski to bling them up.

So I'm a sucker for black and white disco looks. Ami Clubwear offers very affordable party gear for the bold. I'd probably go for black tights with this, and maybe some faux-fur to give it an all round "I'm completely out of fashion but I don't give a damn" vibe.

And since we're going for black and white polka dots, how about Bebe's little monochromatic hobo bag? Maybe a bit teensy for my liking, I need large bags to fit my whole life into (yes, I carry everything around, I'm practical like that). Alltogether, these items might sum up a decent outfit, and just to be me, I'd have bright blue hair to match the baby blue swaroski on the shoes. Yeah, I got away with things like that long before Lady Gaga did, my dears (well, maybe not got away, but at least tried too).

The wonders of Michael Rosner

2010-04-17T23:06:00.001+02:00

Bodypaint is a fickle art. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes it just looks tacky (a bit like eating sushi off a naked woman: the Japanese do it right, the rest of the world doesn't). Maybe that's why it's rare to encounter artists like Michael Rosner, who teamed up with photographer Tim Engle to create fabulous images such as these:

You can find more of Rosner's work at his website, and follow Engle's photography at Tim Engle Photography. Rosner also has a Facebook fan page.

Welcome to the wonderful world of design

2010-04-16T09:13:00.002+02:00

Dental Office

Dental Office: “We would like to use your creative services but we would like to see some ideas and concepts before we give you the go ahead.”

Me: “Sure. And since you are a Dental office (and I’m already here), lets go into the next room so you can whiten my teeth. If I like the results, maybe I’ll agree to pay you.”

Taken from Clients from Hell. I helped out at a Web Design firm for a few years and I run a publishing brand... I can relate sooo much to this website. In any case, the Dental Office scenario can also be played out if you're a translator (every time someone asks me to translate something for them I say "fine, my rate is 0.06 € per word") or a computer technician (my brother has a t-shirt that reads "No, I will not fix your computer").

Etsy finds I am currently loving

2010-04-15T15:47:00.003+02:00

It's a good thing haven't got much money, 'cause I'd spend it all on Etsy. Apart from the beautiful finds, there's something special about purchasing something handmade with care, and knowing you made that seller's day. Of course, not everything is beautiful, and that's what Regretsy is for (careful, hilarity and "whimsicle fuckery" ensues!).

So here are a few things I am reaaally loving right now on Etsy:

Heather Behrendt's lampwork beads are always spectacular and pretty affordable, too. These remind me of milk swirls in chocolate or coffee. I'd love to get my hands on these for Miss Cristal, aren't they delicious? You can find them here, or browse through her shop right here.

SeaGemStudio makes lovely jewellery using sea glass, probably one of my famous materials in the world (remember my sea glass mosaic? It's still in the works!). It's hard to choose amongst her ocean wonders, but if I had to, I'd probably go for this necklace, I love how it hooks onto the front instead of using an average clasp at the back. This one's priced at USD 48,00.

I've always liked handpainted silk, and this one's slightly steampunky, so what's not to desire? I admit to having a certain narcissistic approach to my own shoulders, so I could really do with this flattering sleeveless cut. Priced at USD 45,00, I think it's not bad at all. Have a look at TanjaDesign's painted silks, she has a lovely shop.

What are your current Etsy favourites?

Eco friendly use of space

2010-03-16T19:38:00.000+01:00

Hong Kong is known for super-tight tiny apartments, being as it is a city where space is the utmost luxury. That's how this brilliant architect came up with an unusual use of only 330 square metres!

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/videos/worlds-greenest-homes-hong-kong-space-saver.html

Farewell McQueen

2010-02-11T18:00:00.000+01:00

You made fairytales come true. You even dressed the lovely Miss Watson. I'm gonna miss you so much.

Merus

2010-02-08T12:34:00.002+01:00

I love wine. I live in a country where wine is a must, and a very good wine it makes too. Though my favourite is any decent blood-coloured Rioja, I never say no to a sparkly golden Albariño. I love sweet red wine, sparkly Italian lambrusco and fizzy catalonian cava. So a winery is probably one of my favourite places to be in.

When I think of wine I always think of Spain, France, Italy and maybe even Australia for some nice Chardonnay. But it turns out that Napa Valley, near San Francisco, is one of THE places to visit for wine-visiting tours. One of the most significant (and beautiful) wineries is Merus, which is not only lovely for tasting, but also spectacular to behold:

Don't you just love reformed barns?

Upcycling with glamour

2010-01-20T17:30:00.000+01:00

Seems like upcycling has finally reached Hollywood. Livia Firth (also known as the lovely lady married to Mr. Colin Firth-Darcy) has volunteered to bring the green into the red carpet. Maybe it's not such a big deal, but I have to admit wearing a couture wedding dress as a ballgown for The Golden Globe takes some serious guts and style. Her blog's worth a visit. Personally, I find the Uniform Project a lot more down to earth and realistic. Would you be able to wear the same dress for 365 days? Sheena Matheiken is bloody good at it.

On another note, I haven't been updating lately owing to hundreds of things going on in my life. Part of it is the up and running of my Etsy store and Miss Cristal website, and another project that really hasn't got much to do with design or jewellery but is lots of fun anyway. I must admit I'm pretty burnt out with publishing, and while I still dedicate most of my time to it, dealing with egotistic authors, printing cataclysms and general chaos and mayhem is becoming more and more burdensome, especially since everyone has decided that recession is a great excuse to NOT pay for your services. There are also a few personal and family issues to be solved before I can get back to being my usual fashion-and-architecture-obsessed self.

Be back soon!

Coco Love

2009-12-29T18:00:00.004+01:00

It's funny how many people consider Coco Chanel a personal role model. Yeah, fine, she was the founder of Chanel, the brand that brought me the wonders of Chanel Vita Lumiére (the only make-up that can deal with my complexion), Chanel Number 5 and Red Dragon lipstick (sadly not available anymore), but she also came up with quotes as inspiring as these:

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

Apparently she was arrested for war crimes after the Second World War, owing to her relationship with a German spy, but never went to trial because the British Royal Family intervened just in time. There's a very interesting article on the subject in The Times Online.

Not exactly a feminist icon, hmm?

What did you get for Christmas

2009-12-29T12:54:00.001+01:00

Ok, ok, I promise I'll be putting photos up very soon, as soon as my darling brother gives me my memory card back! Suffice to say Christmas was very generous with me, bringing me loads of books, cute little bits and bobs from the great socking-filler-expert that is my mother, some great new running shoes, a fantastic outfit for New Years Eve and even a bit of sunshine amidst the torrential rain we've been having. Oh, yes, and a bottle of Disaronno (lethally sweet and delicious) that hasn't lasted very long. Without forgetting my great computer, of course, so it's been quite a mentionable Christmas!

For now I'll just have to post photos taken with my awful mobile phone camera. This one is from yesterday morning, walking on the seafront with the most spectacular sunrise I've seen in a while:

Been to my jewellery shop yet? I'm also on Etsy and Dawanda!

Hooray!

2009-12-22T01:51:00.000+01:00

Gay marriage has just become legal in Mexico. So I could marry Salma Hayek, you know, if she wanted to.

Dear Father Christmas

2009-12-21T15:41:00.000+01:00

Funny how globalised this whole Christmas thing is, I'd actually forgotten that Santa was not always Santa for me, when I was a teeny little girly girl I used to call him Father Christmas, in my very proper British accent. He's Papá Noel in Spanish, but that doesn't matter 'cause Spaniards aren't really into Santa, they've got their own celebration on the 6th of January (the Three Kings, in memory of the Three Wise Men who supposedly visited Jesus some days after his birth). I'm not a religious person (being an adamant atheist ever since I left my very Catholic school), but I've always loved Christmas. Decorations, presents, food (specially my grandfather's, a master chef who sadly passed away a few years ago, who made the most amazing turkey dinners ever). Some of you Brits out there might have even tried it, he was Head Chef for the popular Basil Hotel in London for many, many years (also now sadly defunct). My mom is now the official dinner-maker, and she does a pretty awesome job.

So here's my Christmas wishlist. I already had my Christmas present this year, a top of the range monster computer I inherited from my techie pc-obsessed brother. Mine's not bad, but you should have a look at his getup:

So here goes my list of stuff I would buy myself for Christmas. I'm sure I'm gonna come up with 30 items more as soon as this goes public, but that's just Sod's Law:

1. A 100 dollar gift certificate for Catherinette's Steampunk Collection. Believe me, their creations are absolutely amazing:

2. Of course! A Bibian Blue corset. Thank you, Alex, for the day you introduced me to Bibian Blue and ruined my life, creating a whole bunch of needs and wants I never knew I had. They've even got an outfit with my name (well, pseudonym) on it!

3. A good night's sleep

I'm feeling so tired right now (and have felt this way for the last three or four months) that I'd really love to get a decent sleep and wake up feeling refreshed instead of exhausted. Of course I'd only go to bed completely happy if I got my hands on something by Bordelle. Yeah, I know, this item can't be bought, but I also want a cloned cat out of the ashes of my beloved departed Golfo. Wonder if that could be arranged.

In any case I have to stop now. I'd also add loads of books and quirky shelfs to put them on, but I'm literally falling asleep at three thirty in the afternoon, so I promise I will get back to that. For now it's back to work.

Bit by bit

2009-12-17T21:33:00.001+01:00

I finally managed to get something done on the new Miss Cristal site, you can have a sneak peek at my work in progress in: http://www.misscristal.com/prueba

Corsets

2009-12-15T16:49:00.009+01:00

I've always been one for corsets, ever since I started buying my own clothes. Internet has made all types of clothing accesible, but back in the days I remember how I used to hunt through lingerie sales to find frilly bodys, basques and similar undergarments to use as part of my weekend ensemble (since I wore a uniform at school, Saturdays were my great dressing-up days). I used to spend my holidays in London rummaging through charity shops and M&S underwear sections looking for something even remotely similar to my fairytale dreams. I was the first girl I knew to wear suspenders, and the local expert on fishnets.

Throughout the years I've built up quite a collection of bustiers and a few decent corsets, even though I've never been able to afford the real made-to-measure wonders. I would waist-train if I had the money. Most of them I hardly wear anymore, being either too small or worn out to use anymore, but a few are still my all-time favourites. Recently my darling Mamen exerted her Sugar Mommy privileges (long story) and bought me a new one, which I am presently devoted to. The photos are crap but I think you can get an idea of my current relationship d'amour:

Which is all very well until I eventually get to the point of going mad and splashing out on something by Maya Hansen or Bibian Blue (might happen someday):

I'm not a huge fan of Victoria Francés as an illustrator but she is fantastic as a model and style icon in general. Her collaboration with Maya Hansen was great, as well as her vinculation with Bibian Blue. Here's a picture of Bibian's steampunk designs (Victoria is the model on the left):

I'm also a huge admirer of the very talented Muriel dal Bo, who has her own personal brand: Sublime. Muriel makes anything from goth gear to Versalles ballgowns, and also happens to be a delightful lady I have the honour of having met in person:

I think I'm just about ready for that guillotine...

Editing: I've been going through Maya Hansen's promos and website and though her corsets are brilliant I do NOT like her size zero models, clothes seem to fall off them. Pin up is always prettier with some flesh to match, methinks. Bibian's models are also petite but seem a bit chunkier, or have better fitted garments. One of the things I love about burlesque is the return of the heavier ladies, and Maya's stuff looks a lot livelier on Ivy Page then on other skeletal bodies:

Things that people give away

2009-12-15T16:12:00.001+01:00

This morning was a bad morning. Just one of those mornings where other people seem determined to upset you, piss you off and other similar and less-safe-for-work verbs. The moral is, as usual, that mostly you get what you pay for, so working with a different printer just because they're cheaper isn't necessarily a good idea, especially when they end up driving you up the wall and spinning unheard of hidden costs on you with no regret or sense of decency whatsoever. I'm also annoyed in general 'cause the newspaper never called me back (I'd expect them to say something, even if it were just "sorry, you didn't get the job"; just an email would have sufficed).

But fortunately, sometimes you don't get what you pay for. This morning I walked into my local charity shop and came across a beautiful long black woollen coat. Ah, it also happened to include a black label reading "Lanvin". So I got myself a Lanvin coat for 4 euros. A stunning piece of art that someone donated just like that, a stunning piece of art that someone tagged at 4 euros and that nobody noticed until I came along this morning.

The coat is much too big for me, but I don't really care, it still makes me feel like a princess. Even if it were a fake the quality is superb, I would have paid the 4 euros for the buttons alone; the design is slightly 60s but the label design is definitely post-90s. I'll be posting photos as soon as I can, to see if anyone can help me figure out where it's coming from. Considering my financial situation my first thought was to sell it, but I might end up looking under the sofa for change to get it altered...

Kids have all the fun

2009-12-09T19:47:00.001+01:00

I always feel pangs of jealousy when I walk through kiddies clothes sections, it seems like they get all the great colours and extravagant designs. Really now, do I have to stop wearing pink and glitter when I reach 14? Is it compulsory that I give up on sparkly headbands, plastic heels and yellow faux-fur coats? I resisted for as long as I could, making the most of my very slender frame until I hit 17, discovered the wonders of eating out and alcohol, put on 10 kilos and weighed my way away from kiddy hangers and glamour. Not that I'm complaining (much), since I discovered that fat has a few benefits, such as tits and a bum (one word: corsets!), but I admit I do miss the fun in clothes that seems so abundant (and cheap) in children's stores. M&S has always been the best for me when it comes to sequins, ruffles and all things girly:

And it's not just about clothes. I mean, can't I take this Beijing bookshop home and set it up as my own personal library? Goodbye Ikea, hello Kid's Republic! Not that I've got anything against Ikea. An hour of wondering around their huge store in Malaga, discovering that agoraphobia and claustrophobia are closer than people suspect, helping my brother to find a decent sized desk for his scary four-screen computer set-up (which they didn't have), was made up for thanks to their delicious soft ice-cream, reminiscent of my personal favourites: British 99s.

Crossed fingers

2009-12-03T10:45:00.002+01:00

So much for me whining and moaning. The newspaper people just called me to ask me for a formal interview (I'd already done a translation test), which means I'm not a useless translator after all!

Pay is low, but I really need some sort of steady income right now. I love my publishing job and having my own brand, being my own boss, etc., but recession is abound and I'm in debt. Translating is not my favourite thing in the world but it sure beats teaching, admin stuff and making tea, a few of my other past jobs.

Wish me luck!

Update: The interview went pretty well and it's down to four candidates now. Here's hoping.

There's just something about reconverted warehouses...

2009-12-03T09:43:00.002+01:00

Design is mine recently featured an amazing loft she'd found on Loftlife. Quite an extraordinary place, an ideal combination of open and intimate spaces make this old sugar warehouse in Amsterdam any designer's dream working space. And Uxus Design got it just right, making the most of the warm wooden interiors and using chocolatey and pastel fabrics and colours that make you want to just close the door and forget the outside world even exists. I mean, why bother? You could have everything right here:

Do you think it'd be a bit much to put on my Santa wishlist?

Pastels for a blonde

2009-12-03T06:35:00.001+01:00

Alas the photoshoot was not to be, nor did that newspaper ever call me back for an interview. I admit I'm disappointed, at the rain on Sunday that of course fell on my beach-photographing plans, at a week full of disasters, at myself for whining and crying and being a big baby about everything instead of buckling up and grabbing life by the horns as I should do (as I sometimes do). So after spending these week days shivering and moaning at home (Winter has suddenly arrived, out of bloody nowhere), working odd hours and cursing my unpaying customers, a migraine here and extreme self-pity and laziness there, I am presently pulling on my walking shoes and walking gear and braving the cold (well, it's not THAT cold) to try and get my life back into gear. I haven't got any new photos but my lovely Mamen was nice enough to send me a shot of herself wearing the necklace I made for her recent birthday. Mamen and I shared a flat for a few years while we were studying at uni, and have been very close ever since, which is why it sucks that we're far away from eachother and hardly ever get to have tea or wine in our favourite Granada places. She always sends me the best presents and has a great memory for birthdays and such, while I absolutely suck at it. Good thing I wasn't too late for hers this year.

Light blue and cream glass goodness for a girl with unique style.

DVF

2009-12-01T21:06:00.000+01:00

Just read a wonderful piece on Diane Von Furstenberg and wanted to share it. I've always been an admirer of her creations but never knew of the amazing life she's lead.

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article6833803.ece

Living in a bubble

2009-11-27T07:49:00.002+01:00

Sorry I haven't been around for some time, things have been pretty stressful at work which of course means I've been on a necklace-making spur. When I get anxious I feel the need to disconnect my mind and start doing things with my hands. This results in a shitload of jewellery (honestly, I haven't bought any accesories for the last two or three years) and no photographs to start moving it around nor energy to take samples to shops. A few retailers have asked me for necklaces and earrings but at the low prices they're expecting I don't know if I could be bothered. Since there's so much cheap and nasty stuff available they can't seem to see the difference between imported plastic stock and handcrafted labour-of-love type creations. So I got back to redesigning my jewellery site, which I hope to show you very soon.

Lately I've been working on handpainted pieces. I reuse pieces I like from broken or spoilt jewellery, paint and varnish them and try to turn them into something lovable; this is a new fad, as I get bored pretty quickly, so I've gone from pearls and gemstones to acrylic and wood. I'm presently wearing this one, which matches my weekly love for everything green:

Let's see if next week I can get some friends together and go for a photo shoot. All my friends are pretty unique-looking and fantastic for shoots, I'm just lucky like that. Also, one of them's a professional hairdresser and make-up artist, and she owes me one (or more) after repeatedly waking me up at unearthly hours to go and model for her make-up classes.

On another note, lots of stuff is going on. I had an interview and a test for a job in a local newspaper yesterday. Pay is crap (as journalism normally goes), and it's more of a translating post than a reporting one, but it would be nice to get some use out of my postgraduate degree, and I loved the place. Wish me luck! It would be great to get a job, at least 'till recession is over and I can get a decent income out of publishing, so I could just stop whining over money and having the usual panic attacks when paying-the-printer time comes.

Recently I've been hooked on Stylebubble. Susie Bubble is turning into my all-time heroine. The way she can effortlessly wear absolutely anything she wants (no matter how quirky or awful) and get away with it, apart from being strikingly attractive (sorry, I always had a thing for Chinese/English girls) and be an all round sweet person is kind of mind-blowing.

Seriously, how DOES she do it? I hate that body and that dress, but she manages to make them look like something wearable and fun. However, look what happens when she dress up for a wedding:

I adored the fact that such a beautiful dress was the result of a dry-cleaning disaster. Am I in love much? Methinks maybe. And talking about love, you just have to admire a pattern named after the wickedest man in the world, Mr. Aleister Crowley:

Great wallpaper by Katie Deedy featured on Interior Design. Also available in other colours, such as... wait for it... green!

Hello Steampunk

2009-11-13T12:04:00.002+01:00

Steampunk, what's not to love? Tim Powers, Robert Rankin, victorian corsets, hobnailed boots and weird clockwork-driven contraptions. Personally, I adore it. There's so much revival going on, so much "let's go back to the 80's", it seems we're endlessly recycling the same stuff, so it's refreshing to find a fashion and design trend that respects true inventive and originality (and looks great in the process). Gianfranco Ferré created these fabulous heels inspired by steampunk brass and buckles:

Steampunk fashion is diverse, entwined in popular goth, punk and even lolita culture. It's all about mixing and experimenting: goggles, neckerchiefs, pirate inspired trousers, coils and cables, neovictorian headdresses, the only limit is your imagination:

More great photography by Kat Bret at her website.

Paul K. Stolen is a great scenic and costume designer who creates astounding sets and garments really worth a look. More at his website.

And since everything is better with bluetooth, why not adapt steampunk to modern technology? I found this on Geekologie:

And just when I thought "oh, it's about time someone created a steampunk house", I discovered Sara Carlstead Brumfield's blog, http://thesteampunkhome.blogspot.com, with a few spectacular pics. Whoever thought you could make a coffee table out of old Samsonite luggage?

Guilty pleasure

2009-11-09T19:53:00.001+01:00

As I've always said, nothing like extremely high heels to make you feel stupid and glamorous at the same time:

Most things designed by Cristian Louboutin have a very special luxurious edge. These fantastic button booties could do with something chic to match. How about this? Just a little something from H&M's autumn-winter collection:

You could even have the complete outfit and go for a sexy Juicy Couture handbag:

But then, of course, you'd need the perfect place to lounge around wearing your perfect ensemble. You'd need something unique, maybe the inside of a Toyota Innova?

Not too keen on the exterior but, then again, nothing is ever totally perfect.

I love glass

2009-10-28T18:32:00.003+01:00

Probably my favourite media, glass has fascinated me since I was a child. I have a slight memory of being in a glass-blowing workshop many years ago, where my parents bought a beautiful glass figurine that has since disappeared from our home, probably broken during one of my brother's or my clumsy racket around the place. Tinted glass is definitely my obsession, though foil and cracked creations hold their own charm. Since I've been making my own jewellery for the last few years, I've spent hours of longing and lust on the internet, hunting down the most beautiful czech, japanese and indian beads (though the real treasures are lampwork figures you can find on Ebay):

Brazen Metals, by LA Bead Lady

Midnight Flame by alchemyandice

Inspire Dichroic Bead Set by Jolene Riley Beads

Since I'm obsessed with practicality, glass that can be used as part of a necklace will always strike a chord with me. However, the wonderful thing about glass is that its beauty is impressive even it is serves no function whatsoever, such as artist Graham Caldwell proves with his sculptures:

Caldwell has a certain biological quality to his work that reminds me of cyberpunk anime: metal and glass tentacles and spikes, what's not to love?

Perfume bottles are also interesting glass creations. Kela's has an interesting and modern selection:

Though I still prefer old-style granny bottles, that look ready for anything: from Chanel 5 to stiff liqueur:

And, of course, having lived for many years in arab-influenced Granada in Southern Spain, I have a penchant for Moroccan style perfume bottles. You can find them online for a decent price here:

What's your favourite glass ornament?

Red and white

2009-10-24T00:12:00.004+02:00

I live in a tiny apartment, where my living room is actually my kitchen and study. Therefore, saving space is a priority. I own a huge run-down sofa-bed which I'd willingly exchange for something slightly more... presentable. Maybe something like the Lonneberga, a great stackable sofa-slash-bed that looks great even if you don't own a dog (which I don't, but I bet my white half-siamese kitty would enjoy lounging on it anyhow).

But if you're really gonna do it properly, you need gear to match. However, I don't think Nina Invorm would approve if I stole her red shoe collection, fantastic as it is:

I'll just have to stick to my old and ragged flower print sofa, and be faithful to my less than glamourous wardrobe (well, maybe a teensy bit glamourous).

Luxury villa in Morocco

2009-10-21T20:03:00.000+02:00

Fancy doing your home up Marrakesh-style? You might be inspired by this ultra-luxurious building near Riad. All rooms face towards the indoor pool, decorated with a beautiful Alhambra-style Fountain. Plenty of cushions, carpets and sumptuous fabrics, lighting and wooden ceilings. Not much room for my books or clothes, though.

In case you're wandering where you can buy or rent similar luxury accomodations, there's plenty to choose from here, however this particular building was featured on Embellezzia, a Spanish website.

Diesel textiles

2009-10-20T21:01:00.001+02:00

Even though they're best known for clothes and perfume, hip brand Diesel has braved the world of textiles and furniture. What can I say, though I adore their linen collection, I've fallen in love with their whole setting, the industrial look is really starting to appeal to me:

These bed sheets and covers radiate organic warmth in an uninviting yet attractive environment. As if you'd just thrown together a few things you found in the local dump.

I'm still not sure if this is a coffee table, a music centre or a pc, but whatever it is it's unique:

More great stuff on Diesel's website. Thanks to Anna Yu for sharing her discovery on Stylehive.

Lighting design

2009-10-19T21:12:00.005+02:00

Ever wondered what it would feel like to live in a discotech? Quirke McNamara Consultancy has the answer, or rather quite a few answers. The results are spectacular, but maybe too cold for home owners looking for comfort and warmth.

Obviously UV lighting is great for decorating uses, specially for art exhibitions, cafes and the like. I hadn't really considered the perks of introducing it into a domestic area. Also, I personally spent 8 hours a day for some time in a UV-illuminated office, and it doesn't create a relaxed atmosphere, though you can't deny it looks pretty cool.

So if you're going for a house to match your modified computer, I'd definitely advise you to contact Susan Quirke. And if you're not, you'll have fun all the same drooling over their website's astounding portfolios.

Facebook HQ

2009-10-15T18:04:00.004+02:00

Everyone felt pangs of envy when they found out about Google's treatment of employees: open spaces, a laid back attitude and plenty of creativity going around have made it one of the best employers of the century. So it's hardly surprising that networking monster Facebook has followed in its footsteps. Facebook's headquarters are designed for freedom: blank walls to write on, high ceilings and carefree sofas to lounge on. Maybe too eclectic for my taste (I'm still not convinced by the whole "let's just throw furniture and colours together and see what happens" attitude to decorating), I probably wouldn't want to live here but I sure wouldn't mind working here!

Even the exterior has a certain internet logo feel to it.

Any DJs available?

Love the zebra crossing. Is that a little pet bed I see next to the grey sofa? Could I take my cat?

I'll have to ask the designers at Studio O+A

Bet it smells

2009-10-14T20:15:00.002+02:00

Ok, so we've all seen those reality TV shows where they make poor Western families go and live with some African tribe and build their own mud-shack. If they're lucky, it's just mud, if they're not that lucky they get to use manure. But if you really have to build your own crappy shack, why not go for it big time and do it in style?

This photo is taken from Yoshio Komatsu's Wonderful houses from around the world. More details here. The book contains many strange and beautiful buildings, and is specially developed for children.

Custom glass and metal screen

2009-10-10T17:05:00.002+02:00

Craig Kellog wrote an interesting article for Interior Design named "Mansion in the Sky", about a couple's decision to move from the suburbs to the centre of Manhattan, custom-tailoring everything to their needs and wants. I'm not very enthusiastic about the look of the place in general (some of the art pieces make me wince, and there's that modern "nothing goes with anything" look that's so fashionable these days).

However, I've fallen in love with one of the area's main pieces, an astounding glass and metal screen (handmade by Susan Woods) that sets the scene and contrives to give the place a definite something. Funny how optical illusions go, it took me a while to realise both chair and desk are in front of the screen (the reflection on the desk's mirror surface makes it look as if it's behind). What a wonderful working space.

Usine

2009-10-09T18:39:00.002+02:00

Prestigious dutch designers Bearandbunny are responsible for the amazing new look for an old Philips factory. Called "Le plus grande café du monde", I don't know if it's actually the biggest café in the world (or the greatest), but it's definitely large (and great). Eindhoven sets the mood for this brilliant art-deco space. I think I might go for something like that in my bathroom... if I had more than three square metres to play with, obviously. Sigh.

Long time no see

2009-10-08T18:02:00.004+02:00

So I finally got Internet, after waiting for over two months to get connected.

Everything was just one bust up after another, the phone company just kept getting everything wrong until I finally managed to get my 6 meg ADSL. Also I just happened to move house, since my landlord decided he wanted his place back for his own purposes (ie. he got his girlfriend pregnant). It's a shame I had to leave since the place was beautiful and spacious, but I admit I hated the neighbours and our cats didn't really have a chance to go outdoors. Anyhow, for the same price I'm stuck now in a tiny apartment with bags and bags of unpacked stuff and nowhere to put it. Everything is fine, though, 'cause I'm right next to the beach!

As to places I'd like to live in, weeell, who wouldn't want to live next to THIS??

Living on a bridge

2009-07-22T01:06:00.004+02:00

Just in case anyone has a bit of a troll complex, I just wanted you to know that living IN a bridge is possible (so no need to hide underneath from 9 to 5 waiting for billy goats):

The Bridge House, by Max Pritchard Architect, is living proof that weird dimensions thrown over a river can work, at least sometimes.

Tent, anyone?

2009-07-20T22:57:00.003+02:00

I'm off to the Campus Party in Valencia next week, Spain's equivalent to E3. The idea of spending five or six days lazing around playing World of Warcraft and eating junk food is extremely attractive, I did it last year and enjoyed it inmensely. However, tents are a necessity, and camping in a parking lot can be fun... or can be a nightmare if you're a light sleeper, have a cheap blow-up mattress, have to share your space with a snorer or hate portable showers (last year I had a bit of everything, and the amorous couple in the tent next to mine didn't help much, either). In any case, I think if I opted for something made by Exclusive Tents, things would be a whole lot easier...

Leighton House

2009-07-19T21:39:00.005+02:00

One of the 19th century's greatest English painters, Lord Leighton, owned a house anyone would be proud of. Maybe somewhat over the top and barroque, I can't help but love all the Arab-influenced ostentation:

Thomas Jayne wrote a great piece about how to use yellow lighting and reflection where he mentions the Sloane Museum as one of Leighton's main influences. I'm not really into yellow as a colour, but I have to say this sure looks magnificent:

Yay! First post.

2009-07-19T05:56:00.000+02:00

After torturing my Facebook friends time and time again with photographs of beautiful estates and inspiring interiors, I've decided to create a blog specifically for my own purposes, ie. admiring places I'll probably never have but love to dream about.

So let's start off with this amazing place photographed by Adriano Bacchella. You can find more of his lovely pics at his website. I have more books than a sane person should be allowed to have (the fact that I work in publishing doesn't help either), so I love how they're just sitting there in a corner, don't you?:

I'm also inspired with how writing on the wall can actually look quite chic:

You can find more images of this castle-like building in Zainterioranet. Enjoy!

And by the way, Spanish is my main language and my English is pretty rusty, so I'd be extremely grateful if you point out any spelling and/or grammar mistakes you should stumble upon!

Para visitantes hispanohablantes: En principio este blog será en inglés, aunque siempre existe la posibilidad de que me aburra y lo convierta al español. Pero vamos, que como el objetivo es ver imágenes de casas e interiores bonitos, tampoco os perdéis nada si no entendéis mis gilipolleces en el idioma de la Pérfida Albión.